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Is There Anything Good About Men?
Book

Is There Anything Good About Men?

How Cultures Flourish by Exploiting Men

Oxford UP, 2010 more...


Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Controversial
  • Innovative
  • Concrete Examples

Recommendation

Sociologist Roy F. Baumeister just might convince ardent feminists with his fascinating, well-researched and deftly written book about the bum rap men receive simply for doing what their culture wants and needs them to do. Baumeister relies on research and his own theories to describe how men created the culture that sustains and advances society. He makes an intriguing argument, filled with examples that support his hypothesis, which might make it go down a little easier for women, particularly when they learn that men are expendable. Still, many women – and maybe some men – likely will bristle at his thesis that females have contributed little to creating culture through the ages. Baumeister boldly states his opinion without taking himself, and feminists, too seriously. getAbstract suggests this book to managers interested in understanding gender inequities and differences. Just be prepared for some fallout around the office if you start using this as your guidebook.

Take-Aways

  • Many people link historical male dominance with a concerted intent to repress women.
  • As a result, today’s politically correct society often construes any criticism of women as prejudicial and any praise of men as unwarranted.
  • “Tradeoffs” lend a new perspective through which to explain gender inequities.

About the Author

Roy F. Baumeister, a professor of psychology at Florida State University, has written extensively on identity, gender and culture.


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